Massage therapy benefits

According to Ayurveda, massage is a human’s best friend.

It is described as Jarahar which means’ the removal of old age’ because it provides nourishment to the seven tissue of the body, the three Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), it cures diseases caused by aggravation or imbalance in the Doshas, rejuvenates the system, provides strength and vitality and removes stress and strain.

Massage increases circulation and movement of the vital life fluids while at the same time helping to enhance and circulate pranic energy. By kneading and pressing the muscles, accumulated toxins are encouraged to leave the body. In exchange, the cells fill with nutrient rich material and Prana. The body and the immune system become strong and stamina and vitality increase.

Treatments:-

Treat meant! The definition

Treat – give medical care or attention to; try to heal or cure.

Treat – apply a process or a substance to (something) to protect or preserve it or to give it particular properties.

Ment – forming nouns expressing the means or result of an action.

or Meant to have in mind as one’s purpose or intention; intend:

Massage creates an electrochemical balance in the body. When the body’s immune system becomes strong and toxins are eliminated, longevity is naturally increased. Since an increase in acidity reduces life span our blood chemistry should always be more alkaline than acidic. Anxiety and stress wear out the body and increase acidity. Balancing the three Doshas increases our life span. The use of rejuvenating oils prepared with herbs and spices enhances the life force in the body. These oils are absorbed by the skin and digested into the body.

Both physical and mental strain can cause fatigue. Fatigue can also come from overworking a particular muscle or muscle group, or by doing work one doesn’t normally participate in. The massage prescribed will depend upon the type of fatigue present.

Massaging the body with bearable pressure helps to make it more resistant to disease. Massage stimulates the production of antibodies and strengthens the seven tissues. The strength that comes from the tissues gives the power of tolerance, forbearance and patience. These qualities can save one from anxiety, sorrow, agony and adversity. Antibodies strengthen the immune system and oil massage strengthens the nerves.

Good health depends on Prana (our life force). All living objects are permeated with Prana. Massage can normalise the flow and function of Prana and promote a deeper and more natural breathing pattern. It relaxes muscles, nerves, bones and the entire body, aids digestion by maintaining proper balance and circulation of body gasses, induces sleep, increases appetite and makes life more joyful!

A calm approach, coupled with a positive healing intent is the embodiment of Ayurvedic massage. Patients are able to enjoy a deep state of relaxation during the massage and often report an improvement in their sleep patterns and general sense of wellbeing. A sensitive Ayurvedic massage therapist is able to read an individual’s body map of aches and pains and is aware that every touch can evoke certain emotions and therefore, is able to gently facilitate the ‘letting-go’ of unresolved wounds. Due to an alpha brainwave induced state during massage therapy the mind is exceptionally receptive and therefore, it is considered a perfect time to clear out old beliefs which no longer serve in a positive way.

There are so many benefits to be gained from Massage

Benefits of Face Massage

Cures diseases like facial paralysis and lockjaw
Increases blood flow and circulation helping to plump the skin
Lifts and firms sagging areas and improves muscle tone
Anti-ageing
Improves skin complexion by removing dead skin

Benefits of Foot Massage

Removes dryness, numbness, roughness and painful feet
Provides strength to feet
Increases nail growth and strength
Heals cracked heels
Improves eyes clarity and vision
Prevents and cures sciatica
Tones up feet muscles
Eases a wandering mind
Promotes deep, relaxing sleep

Benefits of Hand Massage

Increases local circulation
Improves nail growth and strength
Alleviates numbness, stiffness, pain and swelling
Relaxes muscles

Benefits of Head Massage

Alleviates neck pain, shoulder pain and headaches
Restores balance, health and vitality to the body
Revitalises the nervous system
Stimulates blood flow detoxifying the skin and muscle
Makes hair root very strong and prevents hair loss, premature greying of hair, baldness and promotes soft and glossy hair
Releases tension and reduces stress and anxiety
Increases mental clarity and powers of concentration
Helps to promote complete relaxation
Induces sound sleep

Massage Techniques Commonly Used

Pinda Sweda

Pinda Sweda is usually always included as part of the A Healing Principle massage therapy. The literal meaning of Sweda is to ‘sweat’ or ‘perspire’ and Pinda means ‘poultice’, or ‘pouch’. The purpose of this treatment has many benefits:-

It induces sweating which helps to expel toxins from the body. The toxin carrying channels work more efficiently and encourage Vata to flow thus helping in the efficient expelling of toxins from the body
It opens the srotas (channels) aiding absorption of nutrients to tissues and also balances the constitution
It opens the pores allowing the body to absorb the healing medicated oils which lubricate and condition the skin
Rejuvenates and cleanses the skin
Increases peripheral circulation
Relieves headache and migraine
Eases cold and asthma symptoms
Relieves joint and muscle aches, stiffness, swelling and arthritis
Soothes painful and aching joints and muscles and improves joint movement
Reduces water and weight retention – the body feels lighter and more flexible
Soothes nerves

Vasti

Vasti is offered as an additional treatment which can be incorporated into the massage therapy, or offered as a stand-alone treatment. Vasti is beneficial for all kinds of back, knee and shoulder pain in the following ways:-

Relieves numbness and pain caused by compression of the sciatic nerve
Strengthens back muscles which maintain normal curvature of the spine and bone tissues
Eases discomfort caused by intervertebral disc prolapse and lumber spondylosis
Eases stiffness of back muscles
Increases blood circulation to the region
Strengthens muscles and connective tissues around the joint
Lubricates the joints keeping them flexible and pain free
Stimulates and nourishes nerves relieving pain and numbness
Preventative treatment for degenerative disorders
Calms rheumatic arthritis and osteoporosis
Eases pain and stiffness associated with fracture, dislocation, spinal tuberculosis and tumours
Strengthening the joints, muscles and soft tissues around the spine
Weakness of knee joints and habitual patellar dislocations

Body Scrubs

Dry and Wet Body Scrubs are available as a stand-alone treatment or can be incorporated into the massage therapy treatment.

A fine power made with various beans and grains is applied to the skin in either a dry or paste form and a rubbing action is used to create the following benefits:-

Helps to exfoliate dead skin
Cures diseases caused by waste products such as heaviness, drowsiness and itching
Helps to control excessive sweating
Smoothes disfiguration or bumpy skin
An aid in balancing the three Doshas
Helps in melting Kapha and subcutaneous fat
Promotes skin health by opening up the pores of the skin and by increasing blood circulation
Helps skin to breath
Can improve skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and dry skin

Has astringent and antiseptic properties

Medicated Oils

Medicated oils are widely used during Ayurvedic massage therapy. The Ayurvedic word for oil is sneha; a term also synonymous with love, kindness and tenderness; all the feelings that should engulf you during an Ayurvedic body massage. If love is the panacea then an Ayurvedic oil massage is a prescription for unconditional love.

The oil is selected on the basis of the constitution and result in the following benefits:-

Softens, soothes, stabilises and nourishes the body
Relieves pain, inflammation, swelling
Excellent hydration and healing properties
Strengthens resistance to extremes of temperature in the environment
Lubricates against friction
Disperses heat evenly
Provides a glaze to the skin